Orlando, Florida!
Going to Orlando is on most bucket lists, especially if you are a child. But, it’s not just for kids. Parents, Aunties, Uncles and friends will also enjoy Orlando. The central city of Florida has many exciting and interesting activities to do and see.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip to maximise the fun. A lot of the activities discussed below take up a whole day. Orlando offers fun, morning till night for the whole family, let’s see what…
Universal Florida Resort
Universal, the film company known for Jurassic Park, The Mummy, and Apollo 13, has two parks and one attraction for you to explore. All three are located in the same resort and are within walking distance of one another. Many hotels on International Drive have a free shuttle bus to the resort.
The parks are Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal City Walk. To feel like you’re stepping into the movies, visit Universal Studios. While it is a theme park, it is less traditional as it’s not simply fast and furious rollercoasters. You get to experience what it’s like to make films and star in them. You can defend the planet against Aliens in the Men in Black ride and help the Simpsons to save Krustyland from an invader.
However, if you want an adrenaline boost, head to Universal Islands of Adventure. The most exhilarating ride is a giant green rollercoaster, The Hulk. There are also a few outdoor water rides in Toon Lagoon, which is a great way to cool off in the summer months. You may also get a chance to meet your favourite Superhero!
City Walk is Universal’s retail and entertainment centre. Here, you will find plenty of shops and restaurants, plus an enormous modern cinema complex. It’s great for evening entertainment and for rainy days if you are unlucky enough to get one.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Next door to Universal Studios, you can learn how to become a great wizard at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You can also walk the corridors of Hogwarts, drink a butterbeer in Hogsmeade and learn how to approach and ride a hippogriff.
The heart-thumping rides and imagination-enhancing attractions will give you safe passage to the magical adventures you saw at the cinema. The size of queues varies depending on the time of year you visit. Where possible, collect a fast-track ticket to avoid the long waits or get there as soon as the park opens.
Walt Disney World
Disney is why Orlando is so famous so it would be ridiculous to go all that way and not visit the enchanting parks. Each park has something different to offer, like a pure princess experince, travelling the World and learning about animals. If possible schedule a visit to all of them!
Magic Kingdom is where you can let your inner prince or princess roam free. Plan for a long day and stay until the epic fireworks display at Cinderella’s Castle.
At Epcot, you can walk around the World in one day, visiting Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Morocco, and many more. Each country offers something educational and entertaining for the whole family.
For another full day of fun, go to Animal Kingdom, the largest of the parks. It is a zoo with a splash of Disney magic.
A park not to be missed is Disney’s Hollywood Studios, here you will meet your favourite characters, see shows that teach you how the amazing stunts from Indiana Jones are done and ride a few attractions based on such films as Toy Story and Star Wars.
Disney also has two water parks, Typhoon Lygoon and Blizzard Beach, ideal for hot summer days. So be sure to pack your swimsuit.
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Watch American Sport
At the Amway Centre you can experience Basketball and Ice Hockey. The local team that plays NBA Basketball is Orlando Magic. To see the Orlando Magic play is an experience you won’t ever forget. It’s the ultimate of sport shows – basketball, cheerleaders, competitions and songs. It’s a lot of fun! The NBA plays from October to April. This is the same time as the ice hockey session. If basketball isn’t your thing watch the Orlando Solar Bears.
International Drive
Away from the parks there is International Drive, this may be where you stay as hotels have great access to both Disney and Universal Studios.
Along with a few shops and restaurants, International Drive offers family entertainment in the form of Pirates Cove Adventure Golf, a miniature golf challenge for those aged 3 to 103.
Alternatively, pretend you’re a world-famous car driver at I-Drive NASCAR. Drive an electric kart up to 45 mph around the race track and try to beat all your friends.
Another great way to spend your time is at the I-Drive 360 attractions. Here you can ride a 400-foot-tall observation wheel, see your favourite celebrities in wax at Madame Tussauds Orlando and take a trip under water in the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Shopping
Orlando is a great place to shop till you drop, especially if your local currency is stronger than the US dollar. If you love designer clothes and shoes, take a trip to The Florida Mall. But if you love a bargain, head to Orlando Premium Outlets on International Drive.
Orlando has whatever your heart desires. You could stay there for a month and still have items on your list of things to do. Plan to make sure you visit and experience your top choices. Orlando is such a great holiday experience that many people return year after year.
